Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Acromegaly in older male cats causing diabetes and jaw growth
By Greco, Deborah S·Published in Topics in companion animal medicine·2012·Nestle Purina PetCare, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Feline acromegaly.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old male cat was diagnosed with acromegaly, a condition caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland that leads to excessive growth hormone production. This cat showed symptoms like an enlarged jaw, weight gain despite a good appetite, and signs of diabetes. The veterinarian confirmed the diagnosis through imaging and hormone level tests. The most effective treatment for this condition has been radiation therapy, which can help manage the symptoms and improve the cat's quality of life. With proper treatment, the prognosis for cats with acromegaly is fair to good.
People also search for: cat acromegaly symptoms · cat diabetes treatment · radiation therapy for cat tumors
Abstract
Acromegaly, or hypersomatotropism, results from chronic, excessive secretion of growth hormone in the adult animal. The anabolic effects of growth hormone are exerted through the intermediary hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1, which is produced in the liver under the influence of growth hormone. Feline acromegaly is caused by a pituitary adenoma that secretes excessive amounts of growth hormone. Characteristic effects of excessive growth hormone secretion include the development of diabetes mellitus and growth of the acral segments of the body (jaw, extremities, skull, etc.). Acromegaly occurs in older, predominately male cats and is often associated with diabetes mellitus. Other clinical signs include stridor, enlargement of the jaw and extremities, lean weight gain, and organomegaly (heart, liver, kidney, etc.). Diagnosis is made by documentation of increased levels of growth hormone or insulin-like growth factor (or both) and demonstration of a pituitary mass via magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. The most effective treatment to date has been radiation therapy. Prognosis is fair to good with proper treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22958795/